[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1500]]
                   AIR SHOW TRAGEDY IN LVIV, UKRAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the 
victims of the world's worst air show disaster. On July 27th, a 
Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jet crashed into a crowd of spectators at an 
air show outside Lviv in Western Ukraine, killing 85, including 23 
children, and wounding 116 more. The plane's two pilots lost control of 
the fighter during complicated maneuvers and managed to eject just 
before impact. The severity of injuries varied and many still remain 
hospitalized, while the cause of the crash is being investigated.
  Considering there were thousands of spectators attending the air 
show, the damage could have been much worse. However, given the recent 
series of tragic accidents in Ukraine, most significantly, several 
deadly mine explosions, I commend the spirit of the Ukrainian people 
and their resilience in the face of overwhelming tragedy. I also offer 
my prayers and profound condolences to those families having suffered 
losses of loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, the entire world witnessed during the September 11th 
attacks on this Nation. Oftentimes when people are faced with tragedy 
and adversity, there are also extraordinary actions of heroism and 
generosity. Within the first hours following the air show tragedy, the 
Ukrainian Federation of America mobilized international relief efforts. 
They coordinated with medical institutions and individual physicians 
and technicians who agreed to provide medical treatment, relief 
supplies and transport free of charge. This remarkable humanitarian 
effort has greatly improved the prognosis for many of the victims. In 
addition, many Ukrainian-American organizations have established bank 
accounts to collect donations for a victim-relief fund.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to help in this critical endeavor 
and to pray for the victims and their families to speed their healing.

                          ____________________